Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
Women are invited to learn, practice and go fishing at the Keys saltwater fishing university Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 20, at BPOE Elks, MM 92, Tavernier. Registration for the No-Yelling School of Fishing includes Saturday classes, networking, hands-on practice and an option to go charter boat fishing on Friday and Sunday, with prizes to be awarded. Register early if planning to go charter boat fishing because boat space is limited. Men and teens are welcome. No equipment or experience is required. For more information, visit www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, call 954-475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Sixth Annual Barktoberfest
Pawsitive Effects hosts two- and four-legged attendees at Stuart Park in Lake Placid Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the annual pet-adoption event that raises awareness about pet rescue and animal care. All pets onsite are ready for forever homes, and include a “wag bag,” raffle basket ticket and free dog training classes. Activities for the entire family include food trucks, music, raffle basket drawings, a silent auction, pet blessings, Strut Your Mutt Costume Contest, free nail clippings by Rhonda’s Grooming and a photo booth to capture special pictures of you and your pet. Microchipping is available for $10. All funds collected from merchandise sales benefit 11 nonprofit animal rescue groups in Highlands and Hardee counties. For more information, call 863-441-0351 or visit www.facebook.com/barktoberfest.lakeplacid.
October 2, Apalachicola
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
Learn how to transform your yard into a bay-conscious landscape and incorporate rain gardens, green roofs and bio-swales. Register in advance for the event at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center.
www.eventbrite.com; 850-670-7708 or 850-670-7710
October 5, Palmetto
Volunteer Plant Fair
Save on Florida-friendly natives, shrubs, vines, herbs, orchids, butterfly plants, vegetables, ground covers and bromeliads propagated by Manatee County master gardeners. The sale is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. Cash or checks only.
941-722-4524 ext. 1822
October 5, Panama City Beach
Fourth annual Fall Festival
Enjoy food, music and games at Camp Helen State Park from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $2 for anyone age 7 or older. Younger children are admitted free.
www.friendsofcamphelen.org; 850-233-5059
October 11-13, Panama City Beach
Pirates of the High Seas Fest
Enjoy live music, pirate parades, pirate costumes, an 8,000 beach ball drop, fireworks and more at Pier Park and Grand Lagoon.
October 12, Port St. Joe
Stronger Than the Storm
On the anniversary of Hurricane Michael, visit Gulf County Veterans Memorial Park at Beacon Hill, 8750 W. Hwy. 98, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. for free food and fun, including music, bouncy houses, kids’ games and a bonfire with s’mores.
October 12-November 3, Bowling Green
Heartland Festival
Heartland Place is open to the public weekends and for field trips during the week with a maze, pumpkin patch, jumbo jumper, playground, blast zone, battle zone, hayrides, cow train and more. Check the website for pricing.
www.heartlandeventsflorida.com; 888-576-6293
October 13, Eastpoint
Full Moon Climb
Climb to the top of St. George Island Lighthouse to see spectacular views of the sunset and full moon from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments are served. Climbing fees are $5 for adults, $3 for youth 7 to 16, and free for children 6 and younger. Contact the gift shop for reservations.
www.stgeorgelight.org; 850-927-7745
October 16, Islamorada
Immerse Yourself!
Matt Lawrence of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will speak about historical landscapes of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM83.
www.divingmuseum.org; 305-664-9737
October 17-20, Port St. Joe
10th annual Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival
Thirty-plus musicians perform at numerous area venues at the ticketed event, which costs $28.16 for general admission. Proceeds benefit Coastal Songwriters Education Coalition Inc.
www.blastonthebay.com; 850-229-7678
October 19, Anna Maria Island
19th annual Bayfest
Enjoy a fun-filled day for the family on Pine Avenue at the street festival from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event features food vendors, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone.
www.annamariaislandchamber.org; 941-778-1541
October 19, Palmetto
Halloween Social
The Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Palmetto Historical Park host a free family spooktacular evening from 4 to 8 p.m. Trick-or-treat throughout the park and play carnival games on 6th Street. Stop at the Ag Museum and the Carnegie Library for themed games and activities. Visit the buildings hosted by local service clubs for ghoulish fun. A costume contest is at 5 p.m.
www.manateecountyagmuseum.com; 941-721-2034
October 19, Carrabelle
Crooked River Lighthouse Lantern Fest
This event from 6 to 10 p.m. is best known for its twinkling display of more than 100 colorful lanterns and luminaries strung throughout the park. The festival also features music, storytelling, interpretative dance and climbs to the top of the 103-foot tall 1895 maritime landmark overlooking St. George Sound.
www.crookedriverlighthouse.com; 850-697-2732
October 19-20, Bradenton
Fourth annual East2West Art Market
Fifty local artists showcase their talents in various mediums at the free Parrish Arts Council event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
www.parrishartscouncil.org; 941-254-1774
October 19-27, Parrish
Pumpkin Patch Express
Reserve a seat for roundtrip travel from the Florida Railroad Museum to the pumpkin patch, where children are invited to pick a pumpkin to take home. Everyone can participate in a hay ride, Lincoln log building, crafts and other activities at no additional charge.
www.frrm.org; 941-776-0906
October 24, Ona
Forage Field Day
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences event at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3401 Experiment Station. Registration closes October 17. The fee is $20 and includes lunch.
rcrec-fd-2019.eventbrite.com; 863-735-1314 ext. 204
October 25, Sebring
Halloween on the Circle
Join participating businesses and first responders for a fun and safe community Halloween for the entire family and goodies for costumed children. Trick-or-treating is 5 to 7:30 p.m., with food, games and a DJ from 5 to 9 p.m.
info@thesebringpartnership.org; 863-271-2100
October 26, Panama City
Third annual Charity Bike Ride
Join the Witches of St. Andrews at the event to benefit pancreatic cancer research. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 the day of the ride. There will be contests for best costume and best decorated bike. Meet at Alice’s on Bayview at 9 a.m. for brunch and staging.
October 26, Sebring
10th annual Halloween Run/Walk
Highlands Hammock State Park hosts a 5K and 10K run/walk and a one-mile family fun run starting at 8 a.m. Registration opens at 7:30. Costumes are encouraged. There will be prizes for the best costume.
www.visitsebring.com; 863-452-1295
October 26, Apalachicola
Chestnut Street Cemetery Ghostwalk
Hauntings abound from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. when local history enthusiasts take on the persona of the cemetery’s notable inhabitants to tell their tale of life in Apalachicola more than 180 years ago.
www.aahs.wildapricot.org; 850-653-1700
October 26, Lake Placid
11th annual Mason G. Smoak Foundation Family Fun Festival
This free family fun day from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Devane Circle Park features a sunset 5K, barbecue cookoff, bounce houses, kids’ games and face painting. Barrett Baber, a finalist on “The Voice,” will perform.
www.masongsmoakfoundation.org; 863-699-0838
October 31, Port St. Joe
Ghosts on the Coast
Head to City Commons Park at 6 p.m. ET for a costume contest with five age categories. Trick-or-treating follows on historic Reid Avenue at the sound of the firehouse whistle.
www.visitgulf.com; 850-229-8261
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